Perry Jones Off-Season Q&A

After working with kids at the Thunder Youth Basketball camp, Jones took the time to chat with thunder.nba.com about his summer and the upcoming season.

On visiting kids in the community:

It’s good to know that I can put some smiles on some kids faces and give back a little bit. I had a lot of fun out there though, especially playing five-on-five. It was probably the most fun I’ve had playing pickup with some kids. It’s real enjoyable and it’s a good experience.

On if he saw any major talent out on the floor:

I saw a 15-year old girl out there, she was killing it.

On joining an organization like the Thunder that puts an emphasis on community service:

It means a lot to me. I also have fun in the process too. Just being able to give back to the community and have fun at the same time, that’s probably the best part about coming to these camps.

On his experience in Oklahoma City so far:

The people are real nice. I can tell you that. They respect us as players. They don’t always ask for autographs. They just want to shake your hand and ask how I’m doing sometimes. They’re real nice on the road, letting me go by and things like that. I’m pretty sure they do that to everybody, but it’s just something that I’m not used to. I’m used to people cutting you off and stuff like that. This is a real nice city here, real courteous people. They make the city fun to live in.

On what his summer has been like so far:

It’s been hard work but I also do feel that I’m getting better and the coaches are going to push me more and more each day to get me ready for the season.

On if he had a chance to watch his Thunder teammates play in the Olympics:

I only got to see highlights because I didn’t have TV in my house. I just moved in. I only got to see highlights when I came to the gym the next day. One time the power went out, so the past two weeks weren’t good for me. Other than that I just saw highlights and I’m just glad they won the Gold.

On if he is excited for training camp:

I’m ready for it. I know I’m going to learn a lot from these guys, push me to be a better player and there is a whole lot I can learn from all these guys. Even though they’re so young, they’re very talented and they work hard. It’s something I want to be a part of.